A French family adventure in the Loire

Historic and present-day delights combine in France's famous river region for a perfect family holiday.

Mention the Loire and you’ll conjure up different images for different people. For some, it’ll be the flowing waters of the big river that gives the region its name; for others, the underrated wines that stand up to France’s best; while the chateaux that dot the countryside are what it’s all about for many.

For families, there’s a chance for adventure, whether you want to bike alongside the water, delve into France’s past or eat some of the local delicacies.

We stayed in a Eurocamp holiday home at the forested Parc de Fierbois, which has a beautiful natural setting where you can do as much or as little as you like. As well as a conventional swimming pool complex with slides there’s a lake where you can swim, take on an inflatable course or rent a kayak or paddleboard.

Parc de Fierbois, France (Image: Eurocamp)

If you’re looking for some time out from the kids, there’s a lively programme of activities ranging from archery to art for them to get involved with, while you can just wander around the lake or relax on your deck or by the pool.

The park shop has a great selection of local beers and wines to sample, along with delicious goat’s cheese and butter from nearby farms. During the summer months there’s also a local produce market, where you can sample other local delicacies such as sumptuous local fruits and gorgeously refreshing ice cream and peruse local crafts to take home.

Our holiday home was from Eurocamp's new Azure Lounge range, which all come with a couple of extras that really made our time (and my time in particular!) extra special: a dishwasher and a Nespresso coffee machine. Self-catering works well for our family due to one particularly picky palate but washing up tends to take some of the joy out of tucking into local delicacies. And a decent, effortless cup of coffee is another of life’s little pleasures.

There's also a spacious outdoor sofa where you can enjoy a good read or a doze during the day, or for al fresco family nights if the weather is kind.

As well as taking advantage of the amenities, visitors can grab the chance to visit some of those famous chateaux while exploring France’s past. Here are a few great options to visit. 

READ MORE: 25 places you didn't know you could camp in Britain

Chateau de Chambord

Built for King Francois I as a symbol of his power, Chambord castle really does stun on first sight when you see its vast stone exterior in all its glory. On a closer look there is so much detail to admire in the ramparts and turrets, which you get to see as you wind your way around the castle’s several floors. If you’re with kids then consider spending a bit extra on the Histopads, which offer audio commentary, reimaginings of rooms as they would have looked and the chance to send fun selfies of your head in period costume.

As well as the castle interior and exhibitions on various eras in its history, and how that fits into the wider story of France, a major highlight is the horse and bird of prey show. It alternates between hoof-pounding jousting on horseback, comedic sketches you don’t need to understand French to enjoy and more gentle displays showcasing the awesome wingspan and speed of birds including hawks and eagles.

The show is definitely a payoff for those younger family members less enamoured by history. And a picnic in the beautiful gardens is also something that should please everyone.

Shutterstock/Mistervlad

Chateau d’Usse

Usse is allegedly the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle, although you don’t need to journey through a wood to get there. It actually stands on a hillside looming over a valley, so there is the sense of a hero needing to climb up to rescue the damsel or gentlemen.

You can take a trail throughout the upper reaches of the castle, which tells the property's story via a series of waxwork recreations in rooms you peer into through windows. It feels more Blackpool than Disney but is charming in its own way. Once you’ve had your fill of fairy tales, you can explore the rest of the castle complex. There’s a solemn chapel and some neatly manicured gardens to stroll through, with views across the valley to enjoy if you’re picnicking.

Shutterstock/Vlas Telino studio

Chateau de Villandry

Famed for its gardens, and for good reason, Villandry is a riot of colour and contrasts – even more so on a grey midsummer afternoon. It’s a series of extraordinary displays when viewed from above; a natural work of art. The fruit and vegetable garden is a gorgeous mix of local and exotic flora, planted with loving precision. In fact, this is a chateau where the beautiful surroundings definitely trump the house.

Shutterstock/boivin nicolas

For further information on Eurocamp, call 01606 787787 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk

READ MORE: Secret France: amazing places you might not know about

Main image: gumbao/Shutterstock